The NZ Maori lost their first tour match 32-24 against the Leicester Tigers at Welford Road on Tuesday.

Young pivot George Ford played a match-winning role with the boot, kicking six penalties and two conversions for an individual tally of 22 points. Wing Niall Morris and Adam Thompstone crossed the chalk for the hosts.

The NZ Maori were guilty of poor discipline and lost fullback Andre Taylor and lock Jarrad Hoeata to the sin bin during the match. The tourists scored their tries via scrumhalf Frae Wilson, centre Tim Bateman and wing Charlie Ngatai.

The defeat ended an eight-match winning streak that stretches back to 2007. The NZ Maori lost 17-13 to the England Saxons that year.